These flash floods tear through and erode one’s homeland. They wash away the topsoil and leave in their wake gullies, ditches and silt. The first impulse— divert the flow off the land, renunciate it, so it won’t cause so much trouble! But then the Divine presents a perma-love way: use the flow to […]

I used to think love blossomed in an edgy brilliance like those thistle flowers too prickly to touch and then surely eaten by night rabbits. But then the Beloved took my hand and flew me into a hurricane the cool blooming chaos of my dreams. All my worst fears swirled there in the […]

I concentrate to play each note right Pluck the base, strum the treble. Focus on the beat, one-two-three-four. Oh, but don’t forget the syncopation! Then comes the arpeggio: Fingers move so fast they crash into each other! And of course the words: I must sing in tune and remember the harmony. Ahhh—I […]

When the lights go out in your house and you can’t even find a candle… When yellow gas seeps under the door frame and through the vents… Hold steady and call on the Brilliant One inside. That light is brighter than the darkness that hides in every corner and nook— that […]

I strum the guitar and sing with exuberance, all concern burnt away by the fire of my ardor. A voice penetrates my song—needling, sharp, “That is wrong!” All music stops. Anger sparks within: If that’s how it must be, then I won’t sing at all. And so the whole world ceases its […]

How would I ever get home if not for this road with all its potholes? Sometimes I scream in the dark when my headlights aren’t bright enough to light the way. Or when fog and icy rain lead me to follow random taillights into ditches and even over cliffs. Or when road blocks […]

Oh Cilantro, most benign of herbs, why do so many despise you? Even Rosemary, with her piney sharpness, doesn’t endure such scorn. And Thyme, with all his pungency, fields little grief. Meanwhile Sage, exuding bitterness, rarely invokes a complaint. And of course, everyone loves that Sweet Basil. While your cousin […]

Give up hope, for better health for peace with your neighbor for a lasting relationship. Trade in those plastic poker chips for actual gold. Mind says, “No!” “If I lose hope I have nothing left in my pockets. “Without hope, the Grand Canyon yawns between my ears.” Exactly! Nothing […]

You walk along the road, sun warm on your cheeks love sparkling in your eyes, as you know where you’re going. From a side street that handsome one with chocolate brown eyes and lips made for kissing gestures you over, envelops you in a hug. This is the love you’ve been waiting for! […]